Sefton landlords face £5,000 fines under new laws to guarantee safety of tenants

New rules are being introduced in Southport, Fomby and across Sefton that will help to improve the safety of tenants in privately rented accommodation.

The Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm (England) Regulations 2015 have been passed by Parliament and come into effect on October 1, 2015.

This means that every private rented sector landlord now has to provide at least one smoke alarm on every storey of their rented property which is used as living accommodation. Landlords will also need to install a Carbon Monoxide alarm in any room where solid fuel is used.

As part of the new regulations they must also ensure that the alarms are in working order at the start of each new tenancy.

Cllr Trish Hardy, Cabinet Member for Communities and Housing, said: “We know that working smoke alarms can help save lives and reduce damage to property and I’m pleased to see these new rules being introduced in Sefton in October.

“This change will ensure all landlords maintain high standards of care and it offers greater peace of mind to those living in rented accommodation that their safety is taken seriously.

“This is a now legal requirement and under the new legislation it gives Sefton Council the power to take action against landlords who fail to act upon this.”

Sefton’s Housing Standards Team will be enforcing the new Regulations. If you have any questions about the changes and wish to contact the team please send an email to private.housing@sefton.gov.uk or call 0845 140 0845.

Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service are currently providing smoke alarms and Carbon Monoxide detectors free of charge to landlords, while stocks last. Call 0800 731 5958 or email FireServiceDirect2@merseyfire.gov.uk for further information.

If any landlord does not comply with the regulations Sefton Council can issue a civil penalty charge of up to £5,000.